Your July Garden

The sun is shining, al fresco dining is increasing and our gardens are being used more than they have been all year. This doesn’t mean that we can leave our gardens to their own devices, it means that they still need some TLC, especially if the weather gets hot.

Water Reminder

Here we are again reminding you of the importance of water! July and August are (usually) the hottest and driest months of the year here in the UK, meaning that now more than ever, we need to ensure that our gardens are getting enough water and feed, and at the right times.
As we mentioned in June, the best times to water your garden is when the weather is cooler. Ideally in the evening after the sun starts to set. This allows your garden to soak up the moisture in the cooler night air, than it being dried out in the hot day sun.
Some of your plants may also benefit from a bit of feed during this time to ensure that they are getting the nutrients that they need to survive the heat. This can include Dahlias, sweet peas and other summer bedding plants. If you are unsure of the best feed for your particular plants, get in touch with your local garden centre who will be able to give you an idea on a plant by plant basis.

Don’t Be Afraid To Prune and Deadhead

We often find that many people are too afraid to prune and deadhead their flowers and plants during the height of summer, just in case the heat harms the fresh cut. In fact, you might be doing the plant a favour. While water isn’t in such an abundance, your flowers and plants are trying to ensure that it gets water to as much of itself as possible. Pruning back areas that are already dead, or past their best can help the healthy parts of the plant to get the water that they need.
The best time to do this is at dusk. As with watering it is cooler than during the day.
While you have your pruners out, July is the best time of the year to cut back your lavender ready for drying. Choose newly opened flowers for the best scents. Once cut, hang them in a dark dry place to dry out before using them around your home.

In The Veg Garden

While it may be important to water your lawn and plants, it is even more important for your vegetable garden, particularly if you plan to use the veg in your kitchen.
The summer weather will also see an increase in pests looking to enjoy your fruit and veg, so checking for pests is a regular must. Remove them as soon as you find them to minimise any potential damage.

Keep An Eye On The Pond

During the hot weather, your pond may start to look a little sketchy. Your water can start to turn green due to the increased production of algae. Keeping your pond sheltered at the height of the day can help to reduce this production. You will also want to keep an eye on water levels as the hot sun can reduce the water level.

For more information on July’s gardening jobs, please contact our friendly team today who will be happy to talk with you. If you are in need of some regular garden maintenance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, we are on hand to keep your garden looking healthy and tidy.